Corporate holiday party planning is a rewarding experience and a great way to bring the teams together. It is an opportunity to celebrate past achievements with the employees and clients, unwind and make them feel valued. This feeling has a ripple effect, promoting a healthy work culture, boosting morale and giving them a sense of belonging. So, if you are thinking of putting one together, we share ideas for organizing successful corporate holiday events and Winter private parties.
Tips for Organizing Successful Corporate Holiday Parties
Here are some tips you can follow when planning a successful corporate holiday party & Winter event:
Choose the Right Venue
Choosing the right venue for your corporate party might be the most important decision you make. A hotel venue for corporate holiday events offers everything your guests need, so you can sit back and enjoy the party. The Hancock Hotel has all this and more. We can help create a unique experience for your team with upscale amenities like overnight stays, onsite catering, decor, complimentary Wi-Fi, a built-in audio-visual system, on-site dining at Mancy’s Steakhouse, a mobile bar and more to elevate your night. Our immaculately decorated event spaces serve as the picturesque background for your Winter party.
Plan the Menu
A diversified menu that caters to dietary restrictions like gluten-free and vegetarian options is essential as it shows consideration for all attendees. Our Mancy’s Steakhouse offers private dining, including a customized dining experience specially made by our expert chefs for your corporate events.
Plan Festive Cocktails and Appetizers
Office parties are mostly known for their drinks and appetizers. If you do not have the budget for a big meal, plan to have an array of festive treats, festive holiday cocktails and mocktails to celebrate the holidays. Appetizer staples include spinach dip, crab-stuffed mushrooms, shrimp cocktails and brussel sprouts. At Hancock Hotel, we provide bartenders for parties, making your event extra luxurious.
Pick a Date and Time
The date is the first thing to keep in mind when planning an office party. You may want to have this as early as possible because your employees already have busy schedules or may have other holiday plans. The earlier you can put this date on the calendar, the better. Next is the time. Do you want to have it during or after working hours? Having details about the date and time is important when contacting the venue. If your company wishes to host a Winter event, the Hancock Hotel is the perfect venue for elevating your private parties.
Set a Budget
Setting a budget is necessary for organizing a successful corporate holiday party. You want to ensure you are allocating money to improve your guests’ experience. Clear communication with your planning team helps you manage expectations and make informed decisions.
Know What the Employees Want
Organizing a grand corporate event involves knowing what your attendees want. Find out what appeals to them. It’s easy to inaccurately predict what your team will enjoy. For example, they may not be interested in gift exchanges, as that would force them to get gifts for everyone. A way around this is to send anonymous surveys to determine their wants.
Hire an Entertainer
Going the extra mile to hire an entertainer helps break the ice at corporate events. So, hire a singer, DJ, band, comedian, magician or MC. They are skilled at lighting the mood, contributing to an unforgettable event. The type of entertainer can also be included in the anonymous survey. This way, you remove any confusion from your decision.
Hire a Photographer or Videographer
If your budget allows it, you can hire a photographer or videographer. People love to look back at events and think about how much fun they had. You may get some good pictures by setting up a photo booth, but your guests may be too busy enjoying themselves to remember to take a photo of themselves. It’s more fun seeing pictures or videos taken by a professional. It can also boost employee morale and improve your company culture.
Hand out Party Favors
To show your appreciation for your team, hand out party favors at your company party. Items might include gift cards, coffee mugs, sweatshirts, blankets or swag items with your corporate logo. Gifting new swag helps promote your company values while showing that you appreciate your employees’ hard work over the last year.
Other party favors might include:
- Reusable water bottles and tumblers
- Snacks like kettle corn and hot cocoa
- Tote bags and hats
- Personalized notebooks
- Customized candles
If you’re still unsure what to include in your gift bag, choose items that reflect your company. For instance, you might include travel items like neck pillows or tech items like headphones and smartphone accessories. You can also throw in holiday-themed gifts like wine glasses, fortune cookies or light-up necklaces.
Show Appreciation
A corporate party offers an opportunity to end the year on a positive note by celebrating each person’s accomplishments. Remember to give recognition and remind your employees how valuable they are and what they mean to your organization. Whether it’s a speech, one-on-one interaction or handwritten notes, there are many ways you can recognize your team for a job well done. Others include:
- Create a “success wall” showcasing your team’s accomplishments.
- Offer end-of-year bonuses to every team member.
Choose Hancock Hotel for Your Corporate Party
Do you have enough corporate holiday party ideas? At Hancock Hotel, we are a one-stop shop for corporate events and are passionate about giving your guests a memorable time. We offer a luxurious space and high-end amenities just steps away from the beauty of downtown Findlay.
You can also dine in our very own Mancy’s Steakhouse, which was originally established in Toledo in 1921. At Hancock Hotel, Mancy’s caters events, serving the most delicious seafood and highest-quality steaks, and is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Book your corporate party at Hancock Hotel and make your corporate holiday event one to remember.
